Battery Testing and Charging System and Method of Operation Thereof

ABSTRACT

A battery testing and charging system that includes at least one battery testing device and at least one battery charging device, wherein the battery testing device is removable from the battery charging device and wherein the battery testing device may communicate with a plurality of battery charging devices. Also, a method of testing and charging a battery that may be implemented using, for example, the above-described battery testing and charging system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and devices designedto test and/or charge batteries. The present invention also relatesgenerally to methods for testing and/or charging batteries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When the owner of a vehicle brings an allegedly defective vehicularbattery to a mechanic shop or automotive repair center, a mechanic willtypically first ensure that the battery is indeed defective. This isdone to ensure that the problem is not somewhere else in the vehicle.

In order to conduct a diagnostic test on the battery, the mechanic useseither an independent tester and manual charger or a system that is anintegrated combination of a battery testing device and a batterycharging device. According to this currently available system, if thebattery is diagnosed as having too low of a charge by the batterytesting device, the battery charging device will commence charging thebattery. Since the charging operation may take one hour, two hours ormore, a low or discharged battery will prevent the mechanic from usingany part of the system on another battery.

In view of the above, mechanic shops and automotive repair centers thatregularly encounter multiple customers requesting battery diagnosesand/or charges at substantially the same time typically invest inmultiple integrated battery testing and charging systems. Unfortunately,this leads to inefficiency since the battery testing procedure typicallytakes on the order of a minute or less to complete while, as mentionedabove, the charging procedure may take hours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least in view of the above, it would be desirable to provide novelbattery testing and charging systems wherein a single battery testingdevice could be used in conjunction with multiple battery chargingdevices. It would also be desirable to provide novel methods for testingand charging a batteries that allow for the use of a single batterytesting device in conjunction with multiple battery charging devices.

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by one or moreembodiments of the present invention. According to one such embodiment,a battery testing and charging system is provided. The system includes abattery testing device and a battery charging device. The batterytesting device includes a processor configured to perform a test on abattery when the battery is connected to the battery testing device.Once the test (or at least a portion of the test) is concluded, thebattery testing device also includes a transmitter that is configured totransmit test data collected during the test. The battery chargingdevice is separable from the battery testing device and includes areceiver configured to receive the test data (e.g., the appropriatecharging data) from the battery testing device. The battery chargingdevice also includes charging circuitry having a particularconfiguration. More specifically, the charging circuitry is configuredsuch that, when the battery charging device is connected to the battery,the charging circuitry charges the battery based upon the test data.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a methodof testing and charging a battery is provided. The method includesperforming a test on a battery using a battery testing device when thebattery is connected to the battery testing device. The method alsoincludes transmitting from the battery testing device test datacollected during the test. The method further includes receiving thetest data in a battery charging device that is separable from thebattery testing device. In addition, the method also includes chargingthe battery based upon the test data when the battery is connected tothe battery charging device.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,another battery testing and charging system is provided. The systemincludes means for testing a battery when the battery is connected tothe means for testing. The system also includes means for charging thebattery when the battery is connected to the means for charging, whereinthe means for charging is separable from the means for testing. Thesystem further includes means for transmitting test data collected bythe means for testing during the test to the means for charging, whereinthe means for charging is configured to receive the test data and tocharge the battery based upon the test data.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery testing and charging systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of components included within a batterytesting device and battery charging device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another battery testing and chargingsystem according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method of testing andcharging a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method of updatingsoftware according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery testing andcharging system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a battery testingdevice 12 and a battery charging device 14.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of components included within a batterytesting device and battery charging device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the battery testingdevice 12 includes a processor 16 and a transmitter 18. As alsoillustrated in FIG. 2, the battery charging device 14 includes areceiver 20 and charging circuitry 22. (It should be noted that,according to certain embodiments of the present invention, thetransmitter 18 and/or the receiver 20 may be replaced by a transceiver.)

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the processor16 is configured to perform a test on a battery (not illustrated) whenthe battery is connected to the battery testing device 12. In some suchembodiments, the transmitter 18 is configured to transmit test datacollected during the test performed by the processor 16. Within thebattery charging device 14, the receiver 20 is configured to receive thetest data from the transmitter 18 within the data testing device 12.Then, the charging circuitry 22 is configured to charge the batterybased upon the test data when the battery is connected to the batterycharging device 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, the battery testing device 12, includes an operatorinterface 24. The operator interface 24 is configured to receive inputfrom an operator of the battery testing device 12 (e.g., a mechanic)about at least one parameter of the battery. In FIG. 1, the operatorinterface 24 includes a plurality of buttons and knobs and a displayscreen. However, other methods of receiving input from an operator arealso within the scope of the present invention.

Once the input is received from the operator, the battery testing device12 is configured such that the input may be transmitted from the batterytesting device 12 to the battery charging device 14. In such instances,the charging circuitry 22 is typically further configured to charge thebattery based upon the input as well as the test data when the batteryis connected to the battery charging device 14.

The above-discussed the input may be, for example, the rated voltage ofthe battery, the size of the battery, the type of battery, etc. The testdata may be, for example, the battery charge level, the batterycapacity, the time (i.e., length) of charge needed to obtain a desiredlevel of charge (i.e., how long the battery should remain in the batterycharging device 14), etc.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the processor16 is configured to perform tests on more than just battery. Forexample, the processor 16 may, in some instances, the configured toperform tests on an electrical system of the vehicle from which thebattery was removed when put into the battery charging device 14.

The battery testing and charging system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1illustrates that, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, the battery testing device 12 is configured to be docked in aport 26 of the battery charging device 14. According to suchembodiments, there is a direct link between the transmitter 18 and thereceiver 20 that allows for communication between these two components.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, docking thebattery testing device 12 in the port 26 does more than facilitateand/or enable communication between the battery testing device 12 andthe battery charging device 14. More specifically, while docked, thebattery testing device 12 according to these embodiments also getscharged by the battery charging device 14.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery testing and charging system10′ according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system10′ is illustrated in FIG. 3 while in operation and includes not onlythe above-discussed battery testing device 12 and battery chargingdevice 14 but also illustrates a second battery charging device 14′, anadditional network component 15, a central database 28, a network of 30and a printer 32. FIG. 3 also clearly illustrates that the batterytesting device 12 is separable from each of the battery charging devices14, 14′. (One of skill in the art will appreciate, upon reviewing FIG. 3that the battery charging devices 14, 14′ are models in which thebattery testing device 12 may be docked and will further appreciate thatthe second battery charging device 14′ can communicate wirelessly notonly with the battery testing device 12 but also with any othercomponent illustrated in FIG. 3).

The additional network component 15 illustrated in FIG. 3 takes the formof a rotating electrical tester. As such, alternators and/or startersmay be tested therein. However, other devices are also within the scopeof the present invention, including devices configured to communicatewirelessly with other components.

In operation, the battery testing device 12 may communicate with eitherof the battery charging devices 14, 14′ or, according to certainembodiments of the present invention, with both. More specifically, thetransmitter 18 in the battery testing device 12 illustrated in FIG. 3communicates wirelessly with either or both of the receivers (e.g.receiver 20 in battery charging device 14) in the battery chargingdevices 14, 14′. Also, in addition to being docked in port 26 orcommunicating wirelessly, the above-mentioned transmitters and receiversmay communicate utilizing one or more inter-connecting cables asillustrated in FIG. 2 with transmitter 18, receiver 20 and cable 33.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the centraldatabase 28 is configured to store test data and/or operator input for aplurality of battery tests. Although illustrated as a separate componentin FIG. 3, the central database 28 may also be located in either abattery testing device or a battery charging device. Once enough datahas been accumulated in the central database 28, a variety ofstatistical analyses may be performed to evaluate battery quality,reliability of the tester, efficiency of a charger, etc.

The network 30 illustrated in FIG. 3 maybe, for example, a local areanetwork or the Internet. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the batterytesting device 12 communicates only with the battery charging devices14, 14′, that the battery charging devices 14, 14′ communicate only withthe central database 28 and the battery testing device 12, and that thenetwork 30 communicates only with the central database 28 and theprinter 32, other lines of communication between the componentsillustrated in FIG. 3 are also within scope of the present invention. Itshould also be noted that software (e.g., updates for the batterytesting device 12, the battery charging devices 14, 14′, the centraldatabase 28 and/or the printer 32 maybe easily disseminated throughoutthe battery testing and charging system 10′ using the lines ofcommunication illustrated in FIG. 3. Also, a mechanic has theopportunity to remotely turn off any of the battery charging devices 14,14′ either during or after a battery charge.

The printer 32 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be any device capable ofgenerating documents (e.g., reports, lists of data, etc.). In addition,other components may be included in the battery testing and chargingsystem 10′. For example, video monitors, remote operator interfacesand/or signal alarms indicating the completion of a charge may beincluded.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps a method 34 of testing andcharging a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.The method specifies, in step 36 thereof, that a test may be performedon a battery using a battery testing device (e.g., device 12) when thebattery is connected to the battery testing device. Although automotivebatteries may become the primary beneficiaries of the systems andmethods disclosed herein, it should be noted that supporting batteriesincluded in motorcycles, industrial equipment, farm equipment, marinevehicles, etc. are also within the scope of the present invention.

Step 38 of method 34 specifies transmitting from the battery testingdevice test data was collected during the test. As will be appreciatedby one of skill in the art upon practicing the present invention, thetest data maybe transmitted on an intermittent basis or all at once atthe conclusion of one or more tests. As will also be appreciated by oneof skill in the art upon practicing the present invention, thetransmission may occur while the battery testing device is docked in aport of a battery charging device, while connected to the batterytesting device via a cable, wirelessly, etc.

Step 40 then specifies receiving the test data in a battery chargingdevice (e.g., battery charging device 14, 14′) that is separable fromthe battery testing device. As specified in step 42, once the data hasbeen transferred, the charging of the battery may occur based upon thetest data when the battery is connected to the battery charging device.According to certain embodiments of the present invention, theabove-discussed input received from an operator and/or other parametersmay be use by the battery charging device as well.

Step 44 specifies periodically synchronizing the battery testing devicesand the battery charging devices. One benefit of such synchronization isthe resultant increase in data reliability. Synchronization on aperiodic basis may also be performed between other system components.

According to step 46, the test data is forwarded to a central database(e.g., database 28). Once in the database, the data maybe manipulated inany manner that would prove useful to owner or operator of a systemaccording to the present invention. For example, statistical analysismay be performed.

Step 48 specifies docking the battery testing device in a port of thebattery charging device. According to step 50, the above-mentionedtransmitting and receiving steps may be performed while the batterytesting device is docked in the battery charging device. According tostep 52, the battery testing device may also be charged while thebattery testing device is docked in the battery charging device. As analternative, other methods may be used to charge the battery testingdevice. For example, batteries may be swapped out or the battery testingdevice may be plugged into an outlet.

In addition to the above-discussed testing of batteries, according tostep 54, the battery testing device may also be utilized to perform oneor more additional tests on one or more electrical systems of a vehicle.In other words, according to certain embodiments of the presentinvention, the battery testing device is configured to test vehicularcomponents other than batteries.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 56 illustrating the steps of a method of updatingsoftware according to an embodiment of the present invention. Asspecified in step 58, a battery testing and charging system thatincludes at least one battery testing device and at least one batterycharging device is selected. For example, the system 10′ discussed abovemay be selected during step 58. Then, according to step 60, software iswirelessly updated on at least one of the battery testing devices and/orthe battery charging devices. In addition, such updates may be performedusing cables and/or other means of connectivity. Also, using the methodwhose steps are illustrated in FIG. 5, updates may be made to thesoftware of other components in a battery testing and charging system.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

1. A battery testing and charging system, comprising: a battery testingdevice that includes; a processor configured to perform a test on abattery when the battery is connected to the battery testing device, atransmitter configured to transmit test data collected during the test;and a battery charging device that is separable from the battery testingdevice and that includes; a receiver configured to receive the test datafrom the battery testing device, and charging circuitry configured tocharge the battery based upon the test data when the battery isconnected to the battery charging device.
 2. The battery testing andcharging system of claim 1, wherein the battery testing device furthercomprises: an operator interface configured to receive input from anoperator of the battery testing device about at least one parameter ofthe battery, wherein the input is transmitted from the battery testingdevice to the battery charging device and wherein the charging circuitryis further configured to charge the battery based upon the input as wellas the test data when the battery is connected to the battery chargingdevice.
 3. The battery testing and charging system of claim 1, whereinthe test data comprises at least one of: battery charge level, batterycapacity and time of charge needed to obtain a desired level of charge.4. The battery testing and charging system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to perform an additional test on anelectrical system of a vehicle.
 5. The battery testing and chargingsystem of claim 1, further comprising an additional battery chargingdevice also in communication with the battery testing device.
 6. Thebattery testing and charging system of claim 1, wherein the transmitterand receiver are configured to communicate with each other wirelessly.7. The battery testing and charging system of claim 1, wherein thetransmitter and receiver are configured to communicate with each otheracross a cable.
 8. The battery testing and charging system of claim 1,wherein the battery testing device is configured to be docked in a portof the battery charging device, thereby allowing communication betweenthe transmitter and receiver.
 9. The battery testing and charging systemof claim 1, wherein the battery testing device is configured to bedocked in a port of the battery charging device and wherein the batterycharging device is configured to charge the battery testing device whendocked.
 10. The battery testing and charging system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a central database configured to store the test data.
 11. Amethod of testing and charging a battery, the method comprising:performing a test on a battery using a battery testing device when thebattery is connected to the battery testing device; transmitting fromthe battery testing device test data collected during the test;receiving the test data in a battery charging device that is separablefrom the battery testing device; and charging the battery based upon thetest data when the battery is connected to the battery charging device.12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: wirelessly updatingsoftware on at least one of the battery testing device and the batterycharging device.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the transmittingand receiving steps are performed wirelessly.
 14. The method of claim13, further comprising: periodically synchronizing the battery testingdevice and the battery charging device.
 15. The method of claim 11,further comprising: forwarding the test data to a central database. 16.The method of claim 11, wherein the transmitting step comprisestransmitting the test data to one or more of a plurality of batterycharging devices.
 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:docking the battery testing device in a port of the battery chargingdevice; and performing the transmitting and receiving steps while thebattery testing device is docked in the battery charging device.
 18. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising docking the battery testingdevice in a port of the battery charging device; and charging thebattery testing device while the battery testing device is docked in thebattery charging device.
 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising:performing an additional test on an electrical system of a vehicleutilizing the battery testing device.
 20. A battery testing and chargingsystem, the system comprising: means for testing a battery when thebattery is connected to the means for testing; means for charging thebattery when the battery is connected to the means for charging, whereinthe means for charging is separable from the means for testing; andmeans for transmitting test data collected by the means for testingduring the test to the means for charging, wherein the means forcharging is configured to receive the test data and to charge thebattery based upon the test data.